Jerusalem and Peace

Is peace in the Middle East possible? Today Father Raymond J. de Souza reflects on the significance of President Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

The decision by President Donald Trump to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel has provoked much reaction. I commented upon one aspect of that yesterday.

From Israel’s historic enemies, who do not seem enduringly reconciled to Israel’s existence, the reaction was predictable. From American allies in Europe and elsewhere, the dominant view was that the recognition would hurt the peace process.

But it may be the case that it is the war process, not the peace process, that needs to be completed. Not that war is ever something other than a catastrophic failure of peoples to live together. Not that war is ever to be desired, even when it is necessary to contain and reverse evil aggression.